Canadian food and farm enterprises seeking access to flexible financing have a new source of support as Fair Finance Fund officially expands its lending program into British Columbia while continuing its work across Ontario.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for the non-profit social finance organization, which has spent more than five years helping strengthen local food systems through accessible capital and business mentorship. Since launching in 2019, Fair Finance Fund has invested more than $6.2 million in approximately 70 food and farm enterprises across Ontario.
The expansion begins with Fair Finance Fund's first investment in British Columbia: participation in the LocalMotive Food Innovation & Distribution Hub currently being developed in Summerland, B.C. The project is designed to improve regional food infrastructure by providing food processing, cold storage, warehousing, distribution services, shared-use kitchen space, and value-added production capacity for farmers and food entrepreneurs throughout the South Okanagan region.
For small- and medium-sized farm businesses, access to infrastructure can be one of the most significant barriers to growth. Facilities such as the LocalMotive hub can help producers expand their market reach, reduce operational constraints, and create new opportunities for locally produced food products.
According to Fair Finance Fund Executive Director Justin Abbiss, British Columbia offers strong potential for building more resilient regional food systems.
“British Columbia is home to a vibrant community of farmers, food entrepreneurs, and local food advocates who are building resilient regional food systems,” Abbiss said in the organization's expansion announcement. “We are excited to bring our financing model to the province and work alongside partners who share our commitment to strengthening local food economies.”
The Summerland project aligns closely with Fair Finance Fund's mission of supporting enterprises that generate environmental, social, and economic benefits within their communities. The organization says its investment in the food hub will help strengthen local food infrastructure and improve supply-chain resilience in a region that has faced significant disruptions in recent years.
Alongside the expansion announcement, Fair Finance Fund has opened its Summer Loan Intake, accepting applications from July 7 through August 15. Eligible food and farm businesses in both Ontario and British Columbia can apply for financing ranging from $20,000 to $200,000. The loans are designed to provide flexible capital that can help businesses invest in growth, improve operations, and strengthen local food systems.
Beyond financing, approved businesses also gain access to Fair Finance Fund's Real Assist Mentorship Program, which connects entrepreneurs with experienced advisors who can provide strategic guidance and operational support.
The Fund's lending model is intended to serve a broad range of enterprises operating throughout the food value chain. Potential applicants include farmers, food producers, processors, retailers, distributors, co-operatives, and social enterprises that are committed to creating positive environmental and community impacts.
As interest in local food production continues to grow across Canada, access to patient and values-aligned capital remains a challenge for many small-scale and community-focused enterprises. Fair Finance Fund aims to address that gap by connecting impact-focused investors with businesses working to strengthen regional food economies and improve food system resilience.
The expansion into British Columbia represents an important step in extending that support beyond Ontario and into another province with a strong agricultural sector and a growing network of local food businesses.
For farmers and food entrepreneurs looking to expand operations, enhance processing capacity, strengthen distribution networks, or launch new initiatives, the current loan intake offers an opportunity to access both financing and mentorship tailored to the unique needs of Canada's local food economy.
Businesses interested in applying can submit applications during the Summer Loan Intake period, which remains open until August 15.